Jennifer Rubin: How Obama Fails Leadership Test
Writing about the President’s speech yesterday, Jennifer Rubin faults the Democrat for trying to “soothe all parties and charm even the most virulent foes of the United States” instead of setting a course and leading the nation:
Leadership involves setting a course, persuading others to follow, and steeling oneself against the inevitable criticism with confidence that in the end, good policy makes for good politics. Somehow that has eluded the president, who seems intent on getting the politics right and worrying about the policy later. It’s a dangerous game — and as Baker points out, likely fruitless.
Quite a contrast from the Gipper. Read the whole thing.
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Link needs fixing.
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/rubin/67012?
Comment by hpb — May 22, 2009 @ 6:03 pm - May 22, 2009
thanks, hpb, fixed.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — May 22, 2009 @ 6:36 pm - May 22, 2009
You do realize that he has “persuaded” Pakistan into actually taking it to the militants.
What’s going on there is a huge deal right now because if the safe harbors can be knocked out of Pakistan, we could actually get Bin Laden
Further his reversal on torture pics, tortue policies and some others have garned him a fair bit of criticism from his own party.
So I know you are keen to push that meme but perhaps you need a new one.
Comment by gillie — May 22, 2009 @ 7:23 pm - May 22, 2009
The rope around one’s neck is a great focusing of the mind.
Pakistan’s falling to the Taliban, has spurred Pakistan to fight for their survival, realizing that appeasing the crocodile doesn’t always mean you get eaten last.
But hey, if you want to credit President Obama for a revitalized Taliban attacking a nominal ally, then yes. Good Job Mr. President!
Comment by The_Livewire — May 22, 2009 @ 7:55 pm - May 22, 2009
Shouldn’t the President be trying to find out if the Speaker of the House is a liar or the CIA is lying about the enhanced questioning briefings?
Comment by Gene in Pennsylvania — May 22, 2009 @ 9:09 pm - May 22, 2009